NASA's MAVEN detects first evidence of lightning-like activity on Mars
Phys.org
March 2, 2026
While sifting through the extensive data collected by NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft over the last decade, scientists discovered a familiar type of electromagnetic signal commonly caused by lightning. This rare find represents the first direct indication of lightning activity on Mars. The team recently published their findings in Science Advances, where they describe the event and why it's so difficult to detect lightning-like activity on Mars.
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Originally published on Phys.org on 3/2/2026